At the 90th birthday of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and former governor Rashidi Ladoja yesterday put aside their estranged relationship as they warmly embraced each other.
The University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, venue of the event, was thrown into wild jubilation as the perceived political foes embraced themselves. The weeklong birthday celebration attracted prominent monarchs across Yorubaland, members of the state executive council and gladiators across political divides.
Some dignitaries at the event were former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Fredrick Akinruntan, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Samuel Adegbola and some white cap chiefs from Lagos. Others were Soji Akanbi, Abiodun Awoleye, Akeem Ige, Daud Akinola and Ademola Ojo.
Some Oyo political gladiators who attended the event were Olusola Ayandele, Seyi Makinde, Joseph Tegbe, Niyi Akintola, Sharafadeen Alli, Isaac Omodewu, Azeez Adeduntan and Adebayo Adelabu. Ajimobi expressed happiness that the monarch, whom he referred to as his father, clocked 90 years, praying that the ancient city of Ibadan witnessed more development during his reign.
The governor stated that the imbroglio between the state government and the renowned gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, has been resolved, pledging his administration’s readiness to assist him. The former governor, who is also the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, had at a prayer session held at Popoyemoja palace of the monarch, said the crisis rocking Olubadan-in-Council would soon be resolved.
The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniy Abubakr, offered praises and thanks to God for what they described as special grace bestowed on the 41st Olubadan to attain age 90 on earth. Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura in Ogun State, said living above life expectancy in Nigeria required divine grace from God. Balogun, in a lecture, enjoined Nigerian leaders to fight injustice and poverty ravaging the country so as to reduce the number of citizens dying as a result of hypertension.
Mudathir Bada, the Chief Imam of Oluyole, urged the monarch to rule Ibadan land with the fear of God so as to remain relevant. Sekinat Adekola, the Iya Adinni of Ibadanland, called for the resolution of the crisis rocking the Olubadan-in-Council.
